Family
matters
New year, new beginnings
We hope that everyone had an enjoyable holiday season
and that 2014 is off to a fresh and healthy start!
As we begin this new year we are excited
about the possibilities of new beginnings.
The beginning of a new year is much like a fresh snow
and everything is covered under a blanket of white.
What kind of tracks will you make this year?
For us, heading into our 35th year of operation, is all
about growth. When we began caring for the 14 mentally ill women at a room above the Ugly Pub back in 1979
it was a completely volunteer-led effort.

Although much has changed in the days since the Ugly
Pub, one thing still rings trueâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we remain committed to
our initial calling, to find and care for the abandoned
poor and to be family with those who have none.
Our goal this year is to continue to strengthen our capabilities to assure that Bethesda Project will always exist
as a caring family for Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeless.
Join us. Donate, volunteer or fundraise. Learn how to get
involved at http://bethesdaproject.org/get-involved.

Fast forward 35 years and we now care for more than
2,500 homeless and formerly homeless men and women
each year at 14 sites in and around Center City. Our facilities offer a continuum of care ranging from lowdemand drop-in centers, shelters and safe havens to permanent supportive residences and semi-independent,
low-income housing. We care for the homeless regardless of race, creed or any other designation. The only
creed that we require of our staff is that of compassion.

In memoriam

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to longtime Bethesda Project resident Frances
(Frannie) B. who passed away in December. Frannie lived at Bethesda Spruce Street residence
for 19 years and was loved by all. The Spruce Street community will be holding a memorial service for Frannie later this month. She will be missed dearly.

Organize a fundraiser to support Bethesda Project
Bethesda Project works with many groups throughout the year who rally to gather food, clothing and other necessary supplies for our homeless and formerly homeless guests and residents.
One of the most popular fundraisers is a garment drive where companies collect brand-new boxers or briefs, in
sizes ranging from 34 to 48, T-shirts, sizes M—XXL, and socks (our most needed items). Running the drive can
be as simple as sending out a company email, designating a drop-off location, and assigning an individual to deliver here to Bethesda Project on South Street in Philadelphia.
If you would like to speak to someone at Bethesda Project on operating a garment drive, please contact Yarissa
Reyes, marketing and communication director, at 215-985-1600. If you have other ideas for fundraisers benefiting
Bethesda Project, please email our Development Department at development@bethesdaproject.org.

Fill up those Empty Bowls at Malvern Prep!
Mark your calendars for the
sixth annual Empty Bowls fundraising event from Malvern
Prep! Empty Bowls will take
place on Monday, January 20
(Martin Luther King Day) starting at 7 p.m. A variety of soups
donated by local businesses will
be served by the students. The attendees will also be able to choose a handmade ceramic bowl to take home.
These uniquely decorated bowls – the work of Malvern students and some of the homeless men sheltered by
Bethesda Project – are meant to be a reminder of those who frequently go hungry in our world.
The full proceeds from tickets and
from the sale of other bowls available
at the dinner, including silent auction
pieces, will be donated to Bethesda
Project. Last year’s Empty Bowls was
a remarkable success, raising more
than $11,000 for Bethesda Project. This year’s event takes place on
Martin Luther King Day, a designated
national day of service. In the spirit of
service that is so important to Malvern’s mission of Caritas, please make
plans to join us for Empty Bowls
2014.
If you’d like more information about
this event, or would like to sign up,
visit malvernprep.org/EmptyBowls.

Phillies serve up lunch
Warm smiles from the Phillies' front office greeted
the dozens of men and women who gathered at Bethesda Project’s shelter, Our Brothers’ Place, on
December 18 for a hot meal. The Phillies’ group
had prepared a holiday feast with all the fixings -and they couldn’t wait to serve it to those who stood
before them.
This was the 14th year the team has strapped on
aprons to host the annual event, at a facility that provides shelter and emergency services to the homeless. Among those taking part were team president
David Montgomery, senior vice president Ruben
Amaro Jr. and Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg.
“The Phillies are so dedicated to making this a special day,” said Fr. Domenic Rossi, Bethesda Project’s founder and CEO. “Their hearts are really into
this.”
“It’s very rewarding,” said Sophie Riegel, who
works in the Phillies’ community outreach department and helped bake the many turkeys for the
event. “We love coming here every year. It’s
such a good feeling to come together as a
team to provide a nice meal.”
The Phanatic -- never one to miss the festivities -- mingled with the crowd, doing his usual antics and bringing laughter wherever he
went.

SAVE THE DATE!
Preparations are on their way for the annual St. Norbert’s Parish fundraiser benefiting Bethesda Project.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday,
March 1.
Last year’s fundraiser was a tremendous success, raising over $50,000 for Bethesda Project. This year’s
celebration aims to be even better!
Visit St. Norbert’s website for more details or contact Michele Howard at mhoward449@gmail.com.

A merry, merry
Christmas
was had by all!

Volunteers visit Connelly House

Bethesda Bainbridge residents await their delicious
Christmas meal

Residents of Connelly House enjoy a wonderful
holiday party hosted by Bethesda Project Board
Chair Bill Cotter and friends

Medford Middle School volunteer
Addie dishes out birthday cake for
the Bethesda Bainbridge residents
at the “everybody’s birthday” celebration

Students from Medford Middle
School enjoy reading to Bethesda
Bainbridge residents

Christmas elves make their magic
in the kitchen!

Medford Middle School volunteers visit Bethesda Bainbridge

Thank you
to our
volunteers!

Angela, Aisling and Amy deliver over
$500 in gift cards from their colleagues
at McKean Defense Group (Philadelphia
Navy Yard)

Thank you to all who donated
during the holiday season!
The following is a list of those volunteers and benefactors who
played a special role in Bethesda’s holiday celebrations—
whether it was donating and/or cooking food, leading
Christmas parties, or providing gifts and donations. Thank
you!